Kia launched its refreshed K5 sedan late last year for the South Korean market, and now we have a look at the version for North America. Visually speaking, it’s the same sedan inside and out. But we have a new standard engine under the hood. The EX version also has more standard equipment: a plot of it. In fact, it’s now the most expensive K5 in the lineup, starting at $35,645.
This represents an increase of $5,000 from last year. For that price, you get the superb Bose stereo, a 10-way power driver’s seat, a heated steering wheel, power-folding mirrors, and the company’s Digital Key 2.0 that turns a smartphone into a key. These are features that were previously part of the EX Premium Package, a $3,600 add-on that also included a plethora of driver assistance systems. Kia isn’t saying whether the 2025 model gets these standard features, but we’ve reached out to the automaker to learn more about EX pricing and to confirm that it’s accurate.
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We will update the article when new information arrives. For now, here’s a price breakdown for the other versions, which have much smaller year-over-year increases. All prices include a $1,155 destination charge.
| Model/Trim | Price 2024 | 2025 Price | Increase |
| Kia K5 | $26,745 | $28,145 | $1,400 |
| Kia K5 GT-Line TA | $28,245 | $29,145 | $900 |
| Kia K5 GT-Line AWD | $29,845 | $30,745 | $900 |
| Kia K5 EX | $30,645 | $35,645 | $5,000 |
| Kia K5 GT | $33,145 | $34,245 | $1,100 |
As for the engine, say goodbye to the 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. A naturally aspirated 2.5-liter four-cylinder is now standard for everything except the GT. It develops 191 horsepower, 11 more than the turbo. But torque is down slightly at 181 pound-feet. Those who want a boost can still get the GT and its 2.5-liter turbocharged engine, producing 290 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of twist. Everything in the K5 family is front-wheel drive, except for the GT-Line, which offers an all-wheel drive option. An eight-speed automatic transmission manages the power in all trims except the GT, which benefits from a dual-clutch transmission.
From the outside, the 2025 K5 is almost indistinguishable from the outgoing model. The headlights are redesigned and the front fascia is modified to accommodate them. It’s the same story out back, with sharper taillights that extend downward to a new bumper. The biggest news comes inside, with an available curved screen housing a 12-inch driver display and a 12.3-inch infotainment head unit. Connected Car Navigation Cockpit and over-the-air updates are now also available. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard across the range.
The 2025 Kia K5 will arrive in dealerships in the second quarter of this year.
